Filmmaker Farah Khan has revealed the extensive preparation she arranged for Deepika Padukone before launching her in the 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The filmmaker shared the details during a recent episode of her cooking vlog featuring actor Dia Mirza.
During the conversation, Dia Mirza reflected on her own acting debut and said she received little formal training before entering the film industry. Instead, she said she immediately faced a demanding shooting schedule without workshops or coaching.
Dia praised Farah Khan for the attention she gave actors she introduced to Bollywood. She recalled hearing stories about acting workshops, dance training, diction coaching, and detailed preparation before filming.
In response, Farah explained that she carefully planned Deepika Padukone’s training before casting her in Om Shanti Om. She said the newcomer attended Anupam Kher’s acting classes for three to four months. Additionally, Deepika received Kathak dance training and participated in several look tests.
Farah also revealed that she intentionally delayed Deepika’s shooting schedule by 10 days. During that period, she instructed the aspiring actor to observe the working style of experienced performers on set.
According to Farah, Deepika spent those days watching Shah Rukh Khan and Shreyas Talpade perform during filming. She believed observing seasoned actors would help Deepika understand professional filmmaking before facing the camera.
Farah recalled telling Deepika to visit the set every day without performing any scenes. Instead, she encouraged her to study the actors’ approach and learn from their experience.
Released in 2007, Om Shanti Om became one of Bollywood’s biggest commercial successes. The film followed Om, a junior artist who is reborn decades after his murder. He later seeks justice for the death of superstar Shantipriya, creating a story that blended romance, drama, reincarnation, and suspense.
